New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday urged residents to consider setting home air-conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce strain on the power grid as the city prepared for an incoming heat wave. In an X post, Mamdani wrote: “New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool.” He also urged residents to check on older neighbors and to use city cooling resources when needed.
Zohran Mamdani advice and X post
Mamdani’s post asked New Yorkers to limit discretionary electricity use and offered specific conservation steps, saying: “Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.” He framed the guidance as a short-term conservation request meant to keep the grid stable during peak demand so air conditioning remains available for those who need it most.
City measures to protect residents
The mayoral office and city agencies described a series of cooling measures to protect residents as temperatures rose. Officials deployed Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans to neighborhoods, extended hours at many public pools and added eight cooling centers at sites including libraries and community facilities to give people access to air-conditioned space.
City buildings were also asked to reduce nonessential electricity use, such as dimming or turning off some lighting during peak demand hours, and private partners were urged to voluntarily cut back on nonessential consumption.
Online reaction and political backlash
The guidance prompted swift reaction on social media, particularly from conservative accounts. As reported by Fox News, critics — including public figures named in coverage such as Gina Milan and Spencer Pratt — posted mocking and skeptical responses on X and other platforms, arguing the thermostat advice was unrealistic for some households and risky for vulnerable people.
Coverage framed the exchange as a clash between a public-safety conservation message and political optics, with opponents using the guidance to question the practicality of the request and defenders saying it was targeted toward protecting the grid and those most at risk.
Historical context and heat forecast
Officials and observers noted the conservation request echoes past calls to reduce electricity use during extreme heat events. Reporting referenced a similar 1999 instruction from then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani urging energy conservation during high-demand periods.
City forecasts described the incoming heat wave as potentially historic, with officials warning of very high temperatures and urging residents to monitor official updates. Forecasts can change, and city agencies emphasized preparedness measures and public resources.
Practical tips for older adults and caregivers
City and public-health guidance emphasizes concrete steps caregivers and older adults can take when temperatures spike. Check on older friends and neighbors frequently, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Use public cooling centers, libraries, extended pool hours or other air-conditioned public spaces if a home environment cannot be kept comfortably cool.
Pack water and lightweight clothing if traveling to a cooling site, and bring any necessary medications in a labeled bag. For people who rely on medical equipment or who have health conditions affected by heat, follow personalized advice from a primary care provider.
Medical and policy caveat: the thermostat guidance is a voluntary, short-term conservation request aimed at protecting the electricity system and public safety during peak demand. It is not medical advice. Individuals with medical needs or devices that require lower indoor temperatures should consult a health professional before changing thermostat settings.
Quick answers
Is 78 degrees safe for older adults? Setting a thermostat to 78 degrees can reduce grid demand for many households, but older adults and people with certain health conditions may need cooler conditions. Consult a doctor for individualized guidance and use public cooling resources when needed.
How do I find a cooling center in New York City? The city has announced additional cooling centers and temporary COOL van locations. Check official New York City channels or call local nonemergency numbers for the nearest site and hours.
Will the city enforce AC limits? Officials described voluntary conservation measures and operational changes in municipal buildings; there was no announcement of enforcement of home thermostat settings. The city’s request is framed as a voluntary public-safety effort to protect the grid and vulnerable residents.
Source: Fox News. Original reporting: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mamdanis-advice-seniors-brutally-mocked-after-urging-new-yorkers-limit-ac-use
